It’s tough not to cringe when you hear the word needles, especially when it involves rolling them across your face. But, microneedling is a minimally invasive cosmetic treatment that involves puncturing the skin with needles (or a dermaroller) to trigger your skin’s natural healing process and collagen production—is really nothing new. In fact, dermatologists have been performing this procedure for years as a treatment for facial scars. How it works is pretty straightforward: It is performed using an apparatus comprised of fine, precise needles that are applied directly to the skin in a controlled motion. By creating superficial injuries on your skin, your skin reacts by speeding up collagen and elastin production to repair your skin.
Still, even with solid studies, not to mention the before-and-after shots of people who’ve actually done it, the thought of a hundred needles poking your skin doesn’t sound very encouraging. To help you decide whether this treatment is right for you, we’ve talked to a few experts. Here’s what you need to know before trying microneedling.
1. Microneedling works on a variety of skin issues, including acne scars and crepey skin.
Microneedling is a safe, chemical- and laser-free method that triggers new collagen production, regenerates skin cells and can also be used to help resurface the skin. While most often used for resurfacing skin texture, it can help improve a variety of skin concerns, including discoloration, enlarged pores, acne scars, wrinkles, fine lines and crepey skin. If you don’t have any major concerns, the therapy can also simply give skin a dewy and more youthful appearance.
2. Microneedling can be customised according to your skin’s needs.
An assessment of the client’s skin is conducted before the treatment is performed in order to prescribe the best course of treatment. We agree the goal to be reached and then select the best needle depth and most suitable serum for use with the therapy. Deep, pitted or severe acne scars would need a greater depth of needling as opposed to clients who are hoping to minimize pore size, which would require less depth. Serums used during treatment are customised according to the needs of the client's skin. Serums can restore moisture, minimize fine lines and improve skin turgor.
3. Microneedling should NOT hurt
In general, microneedling is usually painless as a topical anaesthetic is used to numb the skin to make the client feel more at ease and comfortable throughout the procedure. While it is considered safe when done correctly, it’s important to ensure your aesthetician is licensed to perform the service and is following hygienic practices.
4. Unlike laser treatments, microneedling can be effective on all skin tones.
If you’re concerned about recovery time, burns or discoloration that can sometimes occur post-laser treatment, microneedling therapy is an excellent alternative. Like laser treatments, it can effectively lighten discoloration, resurface texture, stimulate collagen production and plump and tighten skin. It also has the added benefit of reliability. Microneedling allows for a more predictable outcome for these skin issues. Unlike lasers, microneedling is also a “color-blind” treatment, meaning it can be performed on clients of all skin tones.
5. Treatment cost varies according to your skin concern.
Treatments typically cost from £150 per treatment. A variety of factors can drive costs, including the specific serum used during the service and the amount of total treatments needed. These factors are determined by the needs of the client along with his or her age and skin type, which can influence the rate of response to treatment.
6. At-home microneedling devices take longer to work
While at-home microneedling devices are designed to mimic the results of the in-clinic treatment, they work rather differently. “Surgical dermarollers are used to treat a wide variety of more severe skin conditions such as deep acne scars. Due to the length of needle, typically are 0.5 to 2.5 millimeters compared to at-home devices’ 0.2 to 0.5 millimetres, home treatments do not usually come with topical anaesthetics. Via microneedling, the micro channels are created through the surface of the skin, allowing active skin care product ingredients such as retinol and vitamin C to reach the depths of the skin more effectively.
7. You can have microneedling treatments on the body, too.
microneedling can be used on any area of the body to diminish the appearance of scars, stretch marks, cellulite, wrinkles, fine lines and other blemishes. typically used on larger areas—like abdomen, thighs, legs, buttocks, hands, arms, neck and back.
8. Home treatments are available but, there’s a proper way to use a dermaroller.
As with any at-home beauty gadget, microneedling devices are not foolproof. Too much of a good thing is not recommend either. some 'term-rollers' recommend to be used every 3-5 days. precede with caution as this can lead to increased skin sensitivity and breakouts. for best results contact your Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner.
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